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This Boy I Hardly Know
Book Review
she begins to realise chosen family can be just as important as blood family
This Boy I Hardly Know by Lisa Heathfield follows main character Dusty through a small part of her time in foster care. When moved away from her sister Poppy , Dusty is placed in a foster home where she meets Cooper and they decide to run away together.
My favourite character was Dusty because I think throughout the book she begins to realise chosen family can be just as important as blood family.
Whilst I did enjoy the book I felt in some places that it was maybe written for a younger audience ( preteens/younger teens) however it does also contain content that appeals to slightly older readers.
That being said it did make a nice easy read where I didn’t have to think about what things meant or a hard to follow storyline.
I read this book over three days and struggled to put it down!
Once I had finished it left me upset for those who have to go through the same situations as Dusty, Poppy and Cooper do every day.
However, I also felt that the story brings a lot of awareness about children living in foster care.
About the Book
Sixteen-year-old Dusty is smart, talented and fiercely protective of her younger sister Poppy. They’ve been moved from foster carer to foster carer, until one day the unthinkable happens: Dusty and Poppy are separated, and no one can say when they will see each other again.
Devastated but determined, Dusty has to find a way to reach Poppy. Everything seems stacked against her until she meets beautiful, fearless Cooper at her children’s home, and together they decide to run . . .
Author
Lisa Heathfield
Lisa Heathfield is a British author best known for writing emotionally powerful stories for children and young adults. Her books often explore themes of identity, family, and resilience, tackling difficult topics with sensitivity and hope. Heathfield is widely praised for her lyrical writing style and her ability to connect deeply with young readers. Drawing on her experience working with young people facing mental health challenges, she now teaches teens unable to attend mainstream school.
Reviewer Profile
Amelia, 14
- Reviews: 8
- Likes: baking, paddle boarding and art
- Dislikes: homework and maths
- Favourite Book: Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron
- Favourite Film: Mean Girls
- Favourite Song: A.M. by One Direction
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